SANAA：This is a project in New Canaan, Connecticut, USA that was completed in October 2015. The site is a large property filled with trees, lakes, and wetlands in a quiet neighborhood, which extends into the distance. The program is diverse, including a multi-purpose hall, community gathering space with food and beverages, gymnasium, and library, as well as an athletic field and BBQ courtyard in the landscape.

We proposed a building that spreads beneath a long large roof which follows the landscape and floats in the center of the site. Winding and crossing the hills freely, this wood-frame structure creates many covered outdoor spaces across the expansive property, while also forming courtyards.

The interior programs are found under the large roof, organized and wrapped in glass volumes according to their character and use – one space may be quiet and more secluded, while another may be a community space where many guests could gather. In both plan and elevation, these glass volumes are at times located close to one another, while others are placed further apart, creating different views and atmospheres. From one room, one may see the large lake in the distance and from another, one can overlook the wetlands in the gently descending landscape below. This large roof also gives way to a variety of ambiences such as a lively room facing an active plaza, or a calm space with sunlight trickling through the foliage of the trees.

In this rich and natural environment, we sought to make a piece of architecture that becomes a part of the landscape. We hope the visitors will enjoy the beautiful changing nature through the spaces and experience created by the facility. (Shohei Yoshida/SANAA)